United States · State guide
Divorce inPennsylvania.
Family law is state law. Here is how it works in Pennsylvania: the property rules, support, how to file, what it costs, who enforces it, and every FairWell guide and tool set up for Pennsylvania.
Official source: www.pacourts.us
Property division
Equitable distribution state: marital property is divided fairly, which usually means roughly equally but the court can adjust based on statutory factors; separate property stays with the owner.
Residency and waiting period
Court: Court of Common PleasGenerally: 6 months residency; 90-day waiting period for mutual consent, or 1 year separation. Exceptions apply; check the official source for current rules.
Child support
Income shares model.
Retirement accounts
Workplace retirement plans are divided by a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) prepared after the decree; IRAs are divided by the decree itself. A former spouse married ten years or more may claim Social Security on the ex's record.
Enforcement
Child support is enforced by Pennsylvania Child Support Program under the federal Title IV-D program: income withholding, tax refund intercepts, license suspension and passport denial for arrears.
Health insurance
Divorce ends a former spouse's eligibility on an employer plan. COBRA continuation is available for up to 36 months at full cost; the ACA marketplace opens a special enrollment period.
Official guidelines and tools
The government and court sources for child support, spousal support, the family law statute and self-help. Use these to check any estimate, including ours.
Common questions
How is property divided in a Pennsylvania divorce?
Equitable distribution state: marital property is divided fairly, which usually means roughly equally but the court can adjust based on statutory factors; separate property stays with the owner.
How do I file for divorce in Pennsylvania?
Generally: 6 months residency; 90-day waiting period for mutual consent, or 1 year separation. Exceptions apply; check the official source for current rules. File in the Court of Common Pleas.
When does child support end in Pennsylvania?
Child support usually ends at 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later. Support can continue for an adult child who cannot support themselves because of a disability; college support is not required unless agreed.
What happens to property when unmarried couples separate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania abolished common-law marriage for relationships starting after January 1, 2005, though valid common-law marriages formed before then are still recognized. Otherwise, unmarried partners are not covered by divorce property rules, and property generally belongs to whoever holds title, subject to any agreement between you.
How long do you need to live in Pennsylvania to file for divorce?
At least one spouse must have been a genuine resident of Pennsylvania for at least six months immediately before filing. Divorce is handled by the court of common pleas in the county.
Official help: PALawHELP: Divorce Law in Pennsylvania. Rules change, so confirm with a family lawyer in Pennsylvania before you rely on them.
Read next
Guides for Pennsylvania
Filing for an uncontested divorce in the US
GuideWhat divorce costs in the US
GuideQDROs and retirement accounts
GuideDivorce and US taxes
GuideHealth insurance after divorce
GuideRelocation with children
GuideThe complete parenting plan guide
GuideYour separation date controls everything
GuideHidden assets: warning signs
GuideJoint debt at separation
GuideWhen your ex won't pay
GuideSeparating when there is abuse
Professionals
Family lawyers, mediators and coaches in Pennsylvania
Family lawyers
Listings marked Verified have been checked against the state bar directory. Each lawyer sets their own fees.
DirectoryMediators
Family mediators for parenting and financial issues. Listings marked Verified have been checked against their association.
DirectoryDivorce coaches and counselors
Decision support, communication and co-parenting help. What a coach does.
Are you a professional in Pennsylvania? List your practice.
Pennsylvania
Get organized in Pennsylvania
Guided questions for separation agreements, parenting plans and financial disclosure, linked to the official sources on this page and organized into a plain-language summary for a local family lawyer, who prepares the agreement and advises you.
Sources and further reading
This page is legal information, not legal advice. It summarizes how the process works in Pennsylvania so you can plan; the official sources above are where current fees, forms and deadlines live, and they are the final word if anything here differs. When you're ready, the assessment and FairWell's guided questions link to the rules for Pennsylvania; a local lawyer prepares any agreement and advises you before you sign.